A new storage space for Cub Scout Pack 170 and Scouts BSA Troop 370 is taking shape in Sandy Hook Center.

In late 2016 it was clear the troop needed to leave the crumbling shed on the SAC field on Riverside Road, where they had stored their gear for more than three decades. In addition to the shed falling into disrepair, the SAC property was being transferred for the Sandy Hook permanent memorial and needed to be vacated.

Rob Sibley, a member of Newtown United Methodist Church (NUMC) and the charter organization representative for the BSA groups, approached the church. He is also serving as the overall project leader.

NUMC is the charter organization for the Pack and Troop, both of which serve Newtown. Both have regular meetings at the church, and both work to provide service hours annually for the church. Combined, the groups have approximately 100 members.

In May 2018 NUMC’s trustees approved the requested plans for a 34- by 26-foot structure, which will resemble a barn. The NUMC Council endorsed the approval of the trustees that August, and ground was broken for the project that November.

There has been minimal tree removal for the construction site and a driveway. The barn is being built to the west of the church’s parking lot.

With donations from the community and fundraising by the troop, the project is well underway.

According to Sibley, services and materials have been provided by O&G, Conrad Richards, Claris Construction, Civic 1 Engineers, architect Tom Milano, LRM, American Stair, Toll Brothers, Target Enterprises, Ben’s Mason, Associated Refuse, and, most recently, Mark Edwards.

Edwards had a small crew working on the 1,800-square foot roof last week. Employees spent the morning of July 22 providing approximately $3,000 worth of labor and materials, Edwards said.

Once completed, the barn will be used to store the gear and trailer for the BSA organizations. The BSA groups will maintain the structure, which will be owned by the church.

Sibley told The Newtown Bee via e-mail this week that autumn 2020 “is the hoped completion date.”